Today, relocating a business or workforce has become an overwhelming process. However, Abode Relocation—under the leadership of Manoj Nair, CEO, and Co-Founder—has transformed this daunting challenge into a seamless and efficient experience.
With an innovative approach and an expansive suite of services, Abode Relocation offers tailored solutions that ensure convenience, reliability, and comprehensive support for businesses of all sizes. Going beyond the traditional services, the company provides end-to-end support that covers every aspect of the relocation journey. From real estate and logistics to School Search and Handyman Services, Abode Relocation ensures smooth transitions—even for the most demanding relocation.
From the Corporate World to Entrepreneurship
While Manoj’s professional journey officially began in 2001, a significant breakthrough came in 2004 when he joined Wipro as an associate. At Wipro, interactions with American Express Credit Card customers gave him a deeper understanding of corporate dynamics. Recognized for his consistent performance, he soon became a Subject Matter Expert (SME)—driving internal recognition with awards such as Employee of the Month and Employee of the Quarter.
In 2007, Manoj transitioned to HP (Hewlett-Packard) as National Training Manager, shifting his focus toward the technology and product management sector. Overseeing the Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) segment across India, Manoj got deeper insights into sales dynamics and market behavior. Managing the launch of various printers, he was pivotal in developing sales training strategies that drove better understanding of the product and technology thus helping channel partners to present HP printers with better technical knowledge and improve the bottom-line growth for the company.
At HP, his key responsibilities involved training the workforce on product differentiation—particularly for inkjet and laserjet printers—while helping the team grasp constantly changing customer preferences. The years at HP helped Manoj sharpen his leadership abilities—mastering product management while gaining a deeper insight into market demands.
After his successful stint at HP, Manoj’s passion for entrepreneurship led him to various roles in startups. In 2010, he joined Future Group to help launch E Zone, a retail chain similar to Chroma. His responsibilities included training, merchandising, and sales management. Manoj transitioned to the Gemmological Institute of America in 2011, where he learned about diamond grading and sales—optimized processes for grading, presenting, and merchandising diamonds to customers.
That same year, Manoj joined a B2B platform called IndiaMart. As head of the Western region, where he led teams, improved sales presentations, launched new products, and expanded into new business areas. His experience leading a large team of over 200 people honed his leadership and project management skills.
During his tenure at IndiaMart, he founded Abode Relocation, a company specializing in relocation services. Inspired by his own frequent travel while at HP, he saw a need for better relocation services in India and launched Abode Relocation—focused on providing comprehensive end-to-end relocation solutions. Starting with USV Pharmaceutical and Idea cellular (now known as Vi) as clients, NJ Relocations quickly grew to serve over 198 corporate clients.
Leadership Rooted in Growth, Innovation, and Emotional Intelligence
Over the years, the leadership philosophy has evolved significantly for Manoj, especially in startups. The current leadership approach is now centered on emotional intelligence—emphasizing a deeper connection with employees, openness to feedback, and empathy. “The leader’s role is to ensure team growth, not just organizational success,” emphasizes Manoj.
At Abode Relocation, there’s a strong focus on three factors: Financial and professional development for employees, shared success, and mutual trust. The company fosters a culture of adaptability and open communication, encouraging team members to contribute to the company’s direction. Leaders at Abode Relocation are committed to integrity, setting a high ethical standard for everyone.
Focused on Business Development and Operations
At Abode Relocation, Manoj’s role revolves around managing two key verticals: Business Development and Operations. In Business Development, the primary responsibility is acquiring new corporate clients and overseeing the development team’s activities. The Operations vertical covers both the packing and moving operations and real estate services. As a mentor, the focus is on guiding department leaders, ensuring smooth operations across both verticals, while stepping back from day-to-day management to offer strategic oversight.
Overcoming Industry Hurdles
From a startup with no industry expertise to a thriving relocation company, Abode Relocation has grown into a household name with its innovative, resilient, and customer-first approach.
However, along the way to reaching this vantage point, it faced a steep learning curve in the relocation and real estate industry. Yet, Abode overcame each challenge by focusing on providing exceptional customer service. From tracking household goods to negotiating rental rates and assisting with school admissions, the company continues to meet client’s needs to achieve success.
Today, the effective leadership of Manoj, coupled with a carefully selected team of experts, have been two essential factors driving Abode’s growth. By prioritizing planning, providing support, and protecting the team at every step, Abode Relocation has fostered a positive and productive work environment.
The Digital Transformation of the Industry
The relocation industry is currently undergoing a digital transformation, driven by rising customer expectations for transparency and convenience. Companies are increasingly adopting technology-driven solutions and streamlining their processes to offer a superior customer experience.
From real-time tracking of household goods to online quoting and billing, tech-enabled platforms are empowering customers to take control of their relocation journey. Beyond that, services like meal delivery upon arrival are becoming standard to enhance convenience and satisfaction.
“With the logistics industry growing at a substantial rate of 8.8% annually, companies that embrace technology and prioritize personalized service are poised to thrive in the future.”
A Legacy to Remember
According to Manoj, it is paramount to build an atmosphere of humility, where every voice is valued and heard. Underscoring the importance of giving back to the community, Abode Relocation is planning to launch a food bank initiative in Kalyan—aiming to support the underprivileged. Manoj wants his legacy to consist of positive things—both within the organization and in the broader community.
“I want to be remembered for creating a client-driven organization that values feedback, constantly refining services to meet client needs.”
Company Overview
| Website: http://www.aboderelocation.com |
| Industry: Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, Storage and Real Estate |
| Company size: 11-50 employees |
| Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Type: LLP |
| Founded: June 2016 |
| Specialties: Home Solutions – Rental & Outright, Pack & Move (Residential & Commercial), School Assistance, Rental Agreement Registration, Professional Handyman Services, Settling in Services, City Info, Meal on Arrival, Dedicated Relocation Expert, Life Time Call Support, Handyman Services, Buying and selling, Home Loan, Rental, Office Rental, Commercial space rental, and outright home |
Manoj Nair—Key Milestones
- Rebranding for Market Visibility
Changing the name to “Abode Relocation” improved market position, making the company one of the top choices alphabetically for corporate clients.
- Startup India Certification
Abode Relocation earned Startup India recognition, granting a 3-year tax exemption—an achievement unmatched by other relocation firms.
- Leadership Recognition
The company received the Startup India Leadership Award from Times of India.
- Strong Corporate Clientele
High-profile clients like Vodafone (Vi) and other C-level executives praise the company, demonstrating industry trust and success.
Manoj’s Advice for The Aspiring Leaders
- Patience: Success takes time, and you’ll face many challenges. Having enough savings to manage personal expenses can ease the pressure.
- Believe in Your Product: Even in tough times, maintain unwavering faith in your service or product. Keep your team motivated by exuding confidence and resilience.
- Emotional Connection: Build a strong emotional connection with your team.
- Integrity: Stay true to your principles and values; integrity is key to fostering trust and long-term success.
Major Trends Shaping the Relocation Industry
- Technology-Driven Solutions: Companies are implementing tech-enabled platforms to offer real-time tracking of household goods, online quoting and billing, and other convenient services.
- Personalized Service: The focus is on providing tailored experiences to meet individual customer needs, including services like meal delivery upon arrival.
- Industry Growth: The relocation industry is growing at a substantial rate of 12.5% annually, driven by the increasing demand for efficient and convenient relocation services.
